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Local Government: Parental Leave and Parental Pay

Asked by Graeme DownieLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 24 October 2025UIN 82866

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what guidance his Department issues to local authorities on parental eligibility for Neonatal Care Pay and Leave.

Answered by Kate Dearden

The department is committed to supporting employers to implement the range of parental leave entitlements available, and enabling employees to access them. This includes Neonatal Care Leave and Pay. Local authorities are not involved in determining parental eligibility for Neonatal Care Leave and Pay. Employers can refer to publicly available guidance on GOV.UK to help them understand which employees are eligible for Neonatal Care Leave and Pay. The guidance was created with employers and parents in mind, and government worked closely with HR professionals to make sure it is fit for purpose.

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